Cundiff practices alongside Akers

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Billy Cundiff, sporting a crisp new white No. 6 jersey, had an impressive first day of practice with the San Francisco 49ers while kicking alongside struggling veteran David Akers as coach Jim Harbaugh closely watched.

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By The Associated Press

MailTribune.com

By The Associated Press

Posted Jan. 4, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 4, 2013 at 3:00 AM

By The Associated Press

Posted Jan. 4, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 4, 2013 at 3:00 AM

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SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Billy Cundiff, sporting a crisp new white No. 6 jersey, had an impressive first day of practice with the San Francisco 49ers while kicking alongside struggling veteran David Akers as coach Jim Harbaugh closely watched.

Cundiff signed a one-year contract Tuesday with the NFC West champion Niners (11-4-1) to compete with Akers as Harbaugh and his staff determine who will handle the kicking duties for San Francisco in the NFC divisional playoffs Jan. 12 at Candlestick Park.

Akers revealed Thursday not only did he receive death threats last month via Twitter, he also underwent surgery for a double hernia last February and then had a flare-up in November. After a win at New Orleans on Nov. 25, Akers returned to Philadelphia for injections from the doctor who performed his procedure.

"People talk about my demeanor being down, listen, I take my job seriously," Akers said. "I feel when I miss kicks I let the team, the organization, the fans down. I take it personal. I guess sometimes I care too much about it. That's just kind of who I am. I have no problem talking to y'all and being real. It's been disappointing. I'm disappointed in myself. There's nothing I can really do about it now. I can't go back in the past. Try today to get better and figure out why they're not going between the poles. If I had an answer I would have fixed it a long time ago."

The 32-year-old Cundiff, who missed a potential tying 32-yard field goal in the closing seconds of the AFC championship game that sent New England to the Super Bowl last season instead of the Baltimore Ravens, connected from as far out as 55 yards Thursday afternoon while using a portable holder. He was 10 of 12 overall, including 7 for 8 with Andy Lee holding.

Akers went 16 for 21 in an unofficial media count during the open portion of practice.

While Akers and Cundiff went about their jobs with no time for small talk, general manager Trent Baalke briefly chatted with Cundiff as the newcomer walked down the field to work on kickoffs. At one moment, Harbaugh walked nearly a full field to shag footballs under the uprights.

Akers and Cundiff know each other well, having played for the same coach and been in the 2010 Pro Bowl together.

Neither kicker knows what's next, or when he might learn who has won the job — if anybody, that is. Harbaugh might go into next weekend's game without having named a starter.

"For me, it has been laid out very clearly," Cundiff said. "It's, go out and practice well. Don't worry about anything else. Just give us your best. It's the head coach's decision, management's decision, on who's going to kick. So, I'm not going to worry about anything else. I'm just going to go out there and try to have the best practices I can."

Akers twice missed wide right from 43 yards and again on a 48-yard try, while also coming up short from 52 and 53 yards.